This book is very, very difficult to rate. I liked it - I really did, but there were just some things that drove me crazy about it, along with a naggiThis book is very, very difficult to rate. I liked it - I really did, but there were just some things that drove me crazy about it, along with a nagging feeling that it just didn't live up to its potential.
Meliara spends most of this book in a vastly different setting from the last one: Rather than running around in rags and boys clothes, wounded, sick, and hunted, she finds her wealthy and successful self in the glittering court of the capitol. She still has a couple of minor adventures and passing-out moments (good thing she always has someone there to pick her up, lay her down, or give her something warm to drink), but the plot was, in general, much more entertaining and believable this time around (at least, to someone like me, who likes regency literature). I loved her thirst for knowledge, the political discussions, and her anonymous admirer's ability to draw her out and teach her so subtly. I enjoyed her friendship with Nee, the "fan language," and seeing Mel find herself in society life.
Unfortunately, there were some major exasperations that deadened the thrilling experience I expected to have. It is clear - so very, very clear to the reader and the rest of the world that Shevraeth would make a great king, that the only way Smith could keep any kind of tension there was to keep a fiery, nonsensical prejudice alive in Meliara throughout a good two-thirds of the book. It made her petty and tiresome at times, and seemed to hinder her growth as a character (think Elizabeth Bennett refusing to give Darcy any credit at all for being a decent guy, even after learning about all of his motives, shyness, and provocations). Another problem was that the adventure and regency aspects of the story were not well-blended. The climax AFTER the climax was... well, weird. And to go from very little "magic" in the story to such a sudden, huge magical threat felt totally out of the blue and contrived.
Well, you can tell from the four stars that I still liked it. I would even recommend it, especially to those who enjoyed the first book in the series. It just takes a larger suspension of disbelief than you might expect....more
I would have given this a 3.5, but the anticipation it has kindled for the sequel rounded my rating up. The book is beautifully written, with a vivid I would have given this a 3.5, but the anticipation it has kindled for the sequel rounded my rating up. The book is beautifully written, with a vivid landscape and culture. I enjoyed the adventure, the magic, and especially the Renselaeus characters.
Meliara is, in many ways, a fantastic heroine - clever, determined, brave, and fiercely loyal. Unfortunately, her mistrust, anger, and sometimes outright rudeness became a little exhausting at times. In very brief moments, and then at the very end, you could tell that there was some complexity, but otherwise her character seemed pretty flat. I'm hoping that the next book will develop her character more.
I would recommend it as a clean, romping story and an easy read....more
This book was alright, but as I was expecting much better, I was rather disappointed. There was very little over-arching storyline to tie together theThis book was alright, but as I was expecting much better, I was rather disappointed. There was very little over-arching storyline to tie together the individual vignettes in each chapter, nor did there seem to be much purpose or significance to Mary's coming and going. They had some fine times together (although some, like the birthday party, seemed to be slightly dark), but I could never see what would make the children like Mary much or learn from her....more
I really want to give this book 3.5 stars, but it just doesn't make it to 4. I appreciate the fact that the characterizations were stronger and more cI really want to give this book 3.5 stars, but it just doesn't make it to 4. I appreciate the fact that the characterizations were stronger and more clear in this book than in the earlier volumes, but the plot was just... lacking. As an "epic journey" saga, Croggon let large portions of the book be carried merely by the characters traveling from one place to another (which was the case, to some extent, in her earlier books, I admit), and it just got a little boring.
I thought the wrapping up of the Treesong was fascinating and well-done, though as the defeat of the Nameless One it was kind of anti-climatic. Overall, this book was more positive and optimistic than the others, and I think it is a good ending to the series. I especially loved the relationships that grew out of these final weeks of the saga.
My major complaint, however, is the way in which Maerad "comes into" her Elemental powers: I won't pretend to know what the heck Croggon was trying to say, but I don't like how she said it. I think the greatest beauty of fantasy fiction is to highlight the real powers of the heart and mind, and teach us through allegory the value of truth, light, loyalty, and courage. Maerad's experience has nothing to teach me - nothing I want to learn, anyway. It was very discouraging.
I'd still recommend it to those reading through the series or other big fantasy fans. Just don't expect to be inspired by it....more
It was rather hard, at first, to get my bearings in McKillip's magical realm...not too surprising, since I had the misfortune to come across this, theIt was rather hard, at first, to get my bearings in McKillip's magical realm...not too surprising, since I had the misfortune to come across this, the second in the series, before having read the first. The plot snagged me, though, and I spent a good portion of the book breathless and spellbound. McKillip is a skillful writer with a gift for luminous prose.
Unfortunately, when I reached the last few chapters, the entire book fell flat. To me, the ending was entirely lackluster. Meguet, rather than discovering some true destiny linked deeply to her heritage as the guardian of Ro, simply survives - looking helplessly on while Nyx and other mages battle evil. In the end, none of them really won...there was simply peace. Perhaps that was the intended message, but I'm afraid I was disappointed....more
Hooray! This third book in the "Cecilia & Kate" series makes a return not only to the epistolary style of the first, but also to the upbeat pace and fHooray! This third book in the "Cecilia & Kate" series makes a return not only to the epistolary style of the first, but also to the upbeat pace and fun character developments that were missing in the second. It still falls a step behind "Sorcery & Cecelia" in relative plot believability and clarity, but it had some of the same strengths and even a few novelties to recommend it: This time, in addition to letters between Kate & Cecelia, we are privy to letters between Thomas & James, which I found very enjoyable. Also, there were new characters to explore, in the children of both families....more
Sadly, this is a very disappointing sequel. The new format (official deposition & diary, rather than exchanged letters) dulled the characterizations tSadly, this is a very disappointing sequel. The new format (official deposition & diary, rather than exchanged letters) dulled the characterizations that sparkled so delightfully in the first book. While I found it easy to keep the mirrored characters straight in "Sorcery & Cecelia," the same people in this book were insipid and confusing. The plot dragged, stumbled, picked up again, and then fell apart all together; and the wrap-up at the end was a jumbled mess.
I'm sure my criticism wouldn't be so sharp if I weren't comparing this book against the first of the series. It was still fairly entertaining, and I definitely plan to read the third book (which, promisingly, falls back on the epistolary style). I would only recommend this one to those who are following the whole series as well....more
Mairelon the Magician: This book is a fun, fast-paced regency novel, with strong wit and creativity. I love the cast of characters, and the way Wrede Mairelon the Magician: This book is a fun, fast-paced regency novel, with strong wit and creativity. I love the cast of characters, and the way Wrede manages to flow seamlessly from "theives cant" to standard English throughout the story. The plot was a bit confusing, however, and the fact that the climax took about five chapters to explain made the ending rather...anti-climatic? It's a good book, but one of the rare cases where the sequel well out-shines the original - "Magician's Ward", the next in the series, is absolutely fantastic, though "Mairelon" is definitely worth reading, if only as a preface to the second, stronger book.
The Magician's Ward: Re-reading this book was even more enjoyable than the first time through, especially since I finally had the chance to read the first book in the series, "Mairelon the Magician." I actually think "Magician's Ward" is a much stronger book, with a more interesting and clever plot, and a more entertaining blend of the highs and lows of London society. I enjoyed it immensely. Employing a witty blend of self-aware fantasy and Austen-like social commentary, Wrede has created a gem of escapist literature. ...more
I wanted very much, and tried very hard, to love this book. There were certainly some strong points: the main characters are very fervent and likable,I wanted very much, and tried very hard, to love this book. There were certainly some strong points: the main characters are very fervent and likable, the setting is creative, and the family dynamics in the first third or so of the book are realistic and touching. The book is written with each chapter alternating in voice between Olus and Kezi, the two main characters. This was sometimes hard to follow, and a little annoying when a couple of the chapters were only a few paragraphs long, but I think the overall effect was positive, because it was fun to see the budding romance from both points of few.
Unfortunately, there were also major drawbacks: the romance, while sweet, was very rushed (for instance - in a country of arranged marriages, a well-bred girl asks the boy she thinks is a slave to kiss her within the first few minutes of their acquaintance!); the plot was vague and full of holes; and, overall, there was a heavy feeling that the book was taking itself way too seriously. This was due at least in part to the oppressive religious overtones the plot created (any situation that pits powerful, lovable, but imperfect mythical "gods" against an invisible, omniscient, omnipotent, but effectively silent "one and only God" who requires human sacrifice is quite likely to get depressing). Then, after all the drama of gods and men, I disliked the resolution - it felt like a total cop-out.
My last complaint is that there was a lot of emphasis on the fact that Kezi loved to dance, and danced through life - but then it was disappointing that this character trait kind of fell through the cracks and never ended up being remotely significant.
All in all, I enjoyed the first third or so, but was disappointed in the final product. It's worth the read, especially if you're a sucker for romance, but not one I'd bother to read again....more
I love books, and I love books about books, so I was very excited to read this one - the story of girl whose father has a "talent" for literally bringI love books, and I love books about books, so I was very excited to read this one - the story of girl whose father has a "talent" for literally bringing books to life with the sound of his voice. Through this gift, however, her mother has disappeared and a dangerous villain has been unleashed on modern-day Europe.
The story was good, despite being somewhat convoluted at times. The characterization was also very complex and effective. I never really loved Mo as much as I wished I did, but Meggie was darling, and the supporting cast was creative and interesting. The drawback, though, was that it wasn't consistent: The fact that the main character is 12 years old, along with the magical, fanciful circumstances and characters that fill the pages, really should put the book in the tween/teen category; however, it was overly long (not by number of pages, but in having the plot drawn out more than necessary), and really quite dark and violent, with much more swearing than a young adult novel ought to have.
It was worth reading once, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. If I could give it 3 1/2 stars, I would. Since I can't, the fact that there are just plenty of better young adult novels out there to read tips my rating down to a three....more
I would have given up a third of the way through this book if it hadn't have been for the fact that it was recommended by a friend. It was improving sI would have given up a third of the way through this book if it hadn't have been for the fact that it was recommended by a friend. It was improving slightly by the last quarter of the book, but it's still not one I will ever read again or really recommend.
The two main characters are in entirely different worlds, seemingly totally and pointlessly unrelated to each other. I guess that is part of the intrigue... but there is very little character development that actually encouraged me to like either one of them. It took so long for anything really important to happen that I had a hard time caring - I was just plain bored for the first dozen or so chapters.
Most frustrating of all, however, was how much effort the author spent inculcating the reader to the immoral and sadistic religious practices of worship on "Nextdoor." He was not necessarily inappropriately descriptive, but it was still painfully obvious what he was getting at...and he brought it up over and over again. I have a pet peeve about authors and screenwriters making up awful, evil religions for their characters, so this aspect alone really ruined the book for me....more
Cute, but a little disjointed. Charming illustrations and relatively interesting characters, but a rather bizarre and pointless plot. There wasn't reaCute, but a little disjointed. Charming illustrations and relatively interesting characters, but a rather bizarre and pointless plot. There wasn't really a protagonist, which - in a narrative picture book - I find annoying....more
Absolutely delightful comedy! The title and setting seem rather dark, but the mood of the book is light-hearted and fun, definitely appropriate for reAbsolutely delightful comedy! The title and setting seem rather dark, but the mood of the book is light-hearted and fun, definitely appropriate for readers of all ages. It is a self-aware fairy tale that dresses good old themes in a sparkling and witty adventure. I highly recommend it....more
Very cute, very fun little book. I loved Christian, Ed, and Marigold - their characterization was great. But, I agree with another reviewer that they Very cute, very fun little book. I loved Christian, Ed, and Marigold - their characterization was great. But, I agree with another reviewer that they kind of fell too far into the background in the last third or so of the book.
I think the only real drawback was the fact that it went a little too far in being "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" - almost to the point of being bizarre. The writing was charming, witty, and self-aware, with creative and endearing characters ...but sometimes it felt over the top, like it was trying hard to be zany and overshot the mark.
It's still a fun little romance, though, and one I would recommend as a light read for anyone interested in YA literature, or a read-aloud book for tweens....more
I was rather disappointed in this book, because the original was great and just shouldn't have been tampered with. The first fifteen chapters are exacI was rather disappointed in this book, because the original was great and just shouldn't have been tampered with. The first fifteen chapters are exactly the same as before (and that used to be the end of the story), but then another whole plot began and continued on for another twenty chapters.
Honestly, the second half should have just been written as a sequel, because everything was so different from the first half of the book - it felt like a very strange jump. I really didn't care for the new plot, either, and I especially didn't like what she did to most of the characters (Boabdil used to be my favorite character, but he just became a jerk). The portrayal of marriage and other family relationships was very frustrating as well: playing up all the dumb stereotypes without any reparation in the end. There were even several typos (the first half is free of such errors). That's a big pet peeve of mine.
Also, the 1993 printing has a few stylized illustrations, but this one has none of Frank Kelly Freas's pictures at all, so I was sad to lose that fun aspect of the story.
I very highly recommend the original printing of this book (five stars!), but I wouldn't recommend this version to anyone....more
The story was cute, but I didn't care for the characters, which kind of disappointed me. The two protagonists - an 11-year-old girl and her almost-sorThe story was cute, but I didn't care for the characters, which kind of disappointed me. The two protagonists - an 11-year-old girl and her almost-sorceress-ish spinster aunt - were brave and smart, but not entirely in the right, I thought. It made their feistiness seem more like pig-headedness. Also, I'm all for girl-power and women's rights and stuff, but the glaring feminism in this book was pretty overpowering. "Down with tyranny and men in general," seemed to be the motto throughout most of the book.
It was, however, well-written and intriguing, and the illustrations were very charming. I'd recommend it to adults who like young adult literature, but I'm not sure young ones would actually like it that much (except the part about running away with the circus...)....more
Little Tinka is the seventh child, so her family waits anxiously for the luck she is supposed to bring . . . Unfortunately, she brings nothing but a pLittle Tinka is the seventh child, so her family waits anxiously for the luck she is supposed to bring . . . Unfortunately, she brings nothing but a pretty head and a lazy disposition. When, in desperation, her parents buy a charm from a Wise Old Woman to cure Tinka of her laziness, the little girl embarks on an unexpected adventure, and an education!
This little book is absolutely darling! The folk-tale atmosphere and gentle message make it a delightfully wholesome read, and the illustrations are fantastic....more
Loading...
